Michael Friedberg: Professional Advisor, Passionate Problem-Solver

Michael Friedberg thrives on solving problems. It’s a large part of why he finds his work as an attorney and advisor to high-net-worth individuals and families so rewarding. “Sophisticated clients produce sophisticated problems, and I like the intellectual challenge of that,” he says.

For five decades, Friedberg has built trust and rapport with clients by helping them navigate the complexities of wealth management and trust and estate planning. Prior to founding his own practice, he worked at several prominent Chicago law firms and was a founding partner at Sugar Friedberg & Felsenthal. He’s also an amateur photographer and photo collector and an internationally known Swiss watch enthusiast.

Friedberg is proud of his roots as a lifelong Chicagoan and graduate of Northwestern University and University of Chicago Law School. He feels Chicago is the quintessential American city, a place that offers everything. “I also believe there are issues in our city that need to be addressed, for everyone’s sake, and I think the Trust plays a major role in doing that,” he says.

As a solo practitioner, Friedberg often refers his clients to the Trust’s Philanthropic Services team for expert advice and planning to help meet their charitable goals.

What’s different about the Trust’s services? Friedberg believes it’s the people. “The Trust’s staff is smarter and more responsive. And not just responsive, but really good at everything, from investments to distributions to client communication.”

In the Trust, Friedberg sees a fellow problem-solver. “The Trust not only helps me accomplish my clients’ goals … but also goals for the good of society. So it’s a win-win.”